Bible Society of Kenya has continued to conduct the trauma healing programme so as to help Christians who are ailing from wounded hearts after undergoing traumatic situations in life.

Participants following discussions during the training

Trauma is caused by a direct experience, witnessing someone else’s suffering, and even hearing of someone’s trauma. Victims relive the memory of their trauma and this causes them wounds that might last a lifetime. Domestic violence, sexual abuse, human trafficking, ethnic violence, natural disasters or loss of a loved one can result to trauma.

A classic initial trauma healing session was conducted at Elim Ministry Dagoretti from Monday 9^th April- 14^th April 2018 where 23 participants were trained on how to handle trauma related issues. Each lesson in the training presented what the Bible teaches on how to handle trauma. Participants learnt about the need for trauma healing, how to heal from their own trauma and to care for traumatized people. The training had sessions where participants shared the difficult situations they had undergone. Through this lesson, most people felt relieved of their burdens after the class and they are now able to help others deal with trauma.

The last day of the training was very significant as participants listed their pain on a piece of paper and burnt them to symbolize the beginning of healing of pain by God. This session is known as taking your pain to the cross. After this session most participants confessed that they feel their burdens have been lifted and they are glad they attended the training.

Graduands pose for a photo after the training at Elim Ministry Dagoretti

Each student who successfully attended all the classes was awarded a Certificate and a Healing the wounds of Trauma Book which has deeper details on the topics covered.

We interviewed one of the participants and they had this to say;

“When I first joined the class, I was just attending because my landlord who was hosting the training had prompted me to come. However after the lesson on forgiveness, I realized that all the challenges I have been having since 2017 are because I carry so much unforgiveness in my heart towards my parents, siblings and other Christians. I suddenly lost my husband last year and I felt nobody was there for me including my family. Now I have begun the journey towards forgiving them and I am beginning to feel unburdened, says Stella Maliti.”

Another successful trauma healing training was been held for inmates and officers at Kamiti Maximum prison with 45 participants. We thank God that people are regaining hope for life and they can spread the message of hope with others who are facing difficult situations in life.